Veronica Reyes on Raising Awareness Through a 90-Minute Comedic Journey

Veronica Reyes, creator of the series “Mother, May I Have A Kidney?”, aims to raise awareness about chronic kidney issues through the 90 minute comedic journey the show takes you on. With complex familial relationship dynamics, amusing character dialogue, and the battle of giving forgiveness, “Mother, May I Have A Kidney” is a wild ride that encourages reflection and sheds light on the difficult situation of experiencing kidney disease. With promising upcoming projects on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what else Reyes has in store for us! To learn more about Veronica Reyes and her latest creations, read on.

Rooted in Rhythm: How Asase Yaa is Preserving African Arts in Brooklyn

Based in the heart of Brooklyn, Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation has been creating powerful connections through African dance, music, and storytelling for over two decades. Their work brings generations together, uplifts youth, and keeps cultural traditions thriving in fresh and meaningful ways. In the interview below, they share insights into their journey, recent milestones, and the passion that fuels their mission. Read on to learn more about their impact and what’s ahead.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoJuly 23, 2025culture, dance, performance, performing, interview, purpose, service, community, artists, leaders, humanity, studentsComment

Profiting Off of Presidency

Trump has made millions of dollars profiting off of his supporters and will continue to do so throughout his time in office. Starting February of last year he has made several business ventures, from selling his own merchandise such as perfumes and bibles to selling cryptocurrency and creating his very own wireless service, effectively making his target consumers his supporters.

Putting the targeting of his supporters aside, holding onto and pursuing even more business opportunities while acting as president of the United States is unprecedented. In the past, presidents have opted to put their business ventures aside and focus their efforts on their presidential duties.

Empowered, Not Afraid: How to Prepare for and Respond to ICE Encounters

In the United States, interactions with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be intimidating and, for many immigrant families, life-altering. Whether ICE is conducting raids, detaining individuals, or visiting homes and workplaces, it’s critical to understand that you have rights, no matter your immigration status. Knowing how to respond during an encounter can help protect you and your loved ones from unnecessary harm or legal consequences. Below are essential steps you can take to stay safe, informed, and empowered when dealing with ICE:

Nanná Millano's Musical Environmental Wake Up Call

Brazilian singer-songwriter Nanná Millano has created an impactful wake up call with the release of her new single “Wild Fire”. In lieu of the recent LA fires and ongoing devastation of the Amazon Rainforest in her home country, Millano’s “Wild Fire” brings attention to the impact humans are having on the environment and calls for change. She takes it a step further by partnering her music video with IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute) to support Amazon Rainforest awareness and protection efforts. To learn more about Nanná Millano and her latest single, read on.

Mike De La Rocha: Man of Many Roles Working Towards Change

Mike De La Rocha is a man of many roles. As the author of “Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How To Love”, he has written a book that teaches men to unburden themselves from the weight of the patriarchy and accept vulnerability as a strength instead of a weakness. As a singer-songwriter, De La Rocha has transformed music into calls for action and anthems for social justice movements. As founder of Revolve Impact with a background in politics, he has been able to create an agency that embraces storytelling and creates campaigns that push for action. To learn more about Mike De La Rocha and the roles he’s played in pursuit of creating real change, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57Eva Elisa WellsJuly 16, 2025artist, Musician, music artist, Author, politics, Politics, author, music, business, policiesComment

Time for Peace: Wars Bring Environmental Devastation

Wars are incredibly destructive not only because of the death tolls they bring, but also their mass contributions to global warming. War is currently one of the biggest climate threats the world is facing.

But why is war so horrible for the environment?

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Deja Foxx, Arizona's 7th Congressional District

One of the candidates running for the Democratic nomination is Deja Foxx (she/her), a Gen Z Democratic political activist. Raised by a single mother, Deja experienced homelessness as a child and relied on free school lunches, food stamps, Section 8 housing, and Medicaid. In 2017 she confronted her Senator, Jeff Flake, about plans to remove federal funding for Planned Parenthood at a town hall, and ever since then she has been involved in politics, including founding the El Rio Community Health Center's Reproductive Health Access Project in her native Tucson, and working on Kamala Harris’ 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. For her activism, Deja is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Planned Parenthood’s Catalyst for Change Award, the Global Citizen Prize, the Gloria Steinem's Woman of Vision Award, the Muhammed Ali Humanitarian Award, and the United Nations Global Impact Award. Deja is running for Congress to fight for reproductive freedom, economic justice, and a government that actually works for young people and working-class families.

March Like You Mean It: A Protester's Safety Guide

In a world where voices are increasingly amplified through collective action, protesting remains one of the most impactful ways to demand justice, challenge inequality, and influence policy. From grassroots marches to global movements, peaceful protest is a vital expression of democratic freedom. But taking to the streets, whether for climate justice, civil rights, or labor reform, comes with responsibilities and risks. To make your participation as safe, effective, and informed as possible, it’s important to prepare beforehand, know your rights, and understand how to navigate both the energy and unpredictability of a public demonstration. Whether you’re marching through city streets or gathering in quiet solidarity, the steps below will help you stay safe while making your message impossible to ignore.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoJuly 10, 2025protest, safety, rights, Amendment, mindfulness, brave, climate changeComment

Sam Lee on the Importance of Transgender Healthcare and Rights

From questions about discrimination and injustices, conservative legislation in not just the U.S. but around the world, and thoughts on fleeing the U.S., to advice, resources, and ways to support the queer community, transgender nurse Sam Lee speaks on the importance of transgender healthcare, rights, and what the future looks like for the community. To learn more about Sam Lee and her thoughts on these topics as a professional in the healthcare field and individual a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, read on.

Louis Henry Mitchell - Creativity is for Everyone

Everyone is an artist. Author of Qreative Evolution, Louis Henry Mitchell, explains how this is a truth throughout his new book and teaches others how to find their creativity and embrace it. As author of a book made for all and creative director of character design at Sesame Workshop for Sesame Street where he created the first ever Muppet on the autism spectrum, Mitchell brings inclusivity to the forefront of his work. With a podcast for all creative disciplines that teaches others how to be an artists coming soon, Mitchell is bringing us even more to look forward to and learn from. To discover more about Louis Henry Mitchell and his new book, read on.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 57Eva Elisa WellsJuly 2, 2025Autism, creativity, creative, Creative, book, newbook, children, self-help, Artists, artistComment

Where in the World is it Safe to be Transgender?

As the first year of the Trump administration’s second term goes on, it is clear that the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those a part of the transgender community, will continue to be the target of several discriminatory laws, policies, and ideologies. Certain states in the U.S. are becoming increasingly unsafe for transgender individuals to reside in because of their more conservative government officials and the introduction of prejudicial state legislation that allows for discrimination.

In light of the growing hostility U.S. policies have towards the trans community, here is a list of the 5 safest cities in the U.S. and 5 safest cities outside of the U.S. for transgender individuals to live.

Freedom, Fun, and Festivities: Celebrating Juneteenth in Style

Freedom, joy, and soul food—Juneteenth is more than a history lesson; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the triumph of liberation. Marked every June 19th, this vibrant holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas finally heard the news: they were free. Today, Juneteenth is a time to honor that moment with music, storytelling, parades, and plenty of barbecue. Whether you’re joining your first Juneteenth celebration or keeping a family tradition alive, it's a powerful—and joyful—reminder that freedom is always worth celebrating.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 57Kylie MurphyJune 19, 2025Juneteenth, celebration, Non-profit, donation, Freedom, Fun, Black-owned, tradition, historyComment

Step up for Nature: Supporting Our Parks in a Summer of Strain

As summer unfolds and millions of Americans flock to our nation’s parks for hiking, camping, and reconnecting with nature, there's an unseen crisis quietly developing behind the trees and trails. A wave of ranger layoffs is leaving these treasured landscapes with fewer guardians than ever before. From Yellowstone to the Smoky Mountains, staff reductions mean fewer people to manage crowds, maintain trails and protect wildlife. At the same time, park attendance is surging, a perfect storm that threatens the health and beauty of our public lands. Without adequate staff to manage the influx of visitors, the integrity of our parks is at risk.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 57Angelina DeSalvoJune 18, 2025nature, parks, national parks, environment, environmental, protect wildlifeComment

In Living Color: Queer Artists Shaping Pride Through Art

Pride began as a protest — and queer art still carries that fire. These artists aren’t just creating beauty; they’re challenging systems, reclaiming space, and telling stories that demand to be heard. This Pride, Jejune Magazine highlights individuals who utilize their art as a means of creating change, promoting visibility, and fostering liberation.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 57Kylie MurphyJune 13, 2025pride month, gay artists, queer, Art, Artists, activists, Fun, paintings, printsComment

Paxton Smith - From Viral Valedictorian to Musician and Activist

From a viral valedictorian speech to becoming a musician and activist, Paxton Smith is no stranger to making her voice heard. With songs off of her new EP, “But I Love It”, releasing every month, we have no shortage of things to look forward to! Beyond the music, Smith has had the chance to travel around the country to speak on the importance of reproductive rights and serves on the board for directors for WRRAP - the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project. Read on to learn more about Paxton Smith and her new music.

Blue States Contribute So Much, What Would Happen If They Stopped?

Blue states contribute a great deal to the U.S. government and economy. As of 2024, about 47 percent of the U.S.’ GDP is composed of contributions from blue states, with the total GDP being around 23.54 trillion and blue states contributing around 11.116 trillion of that total, California, New York, and Illinois being the top three contributing blue states.

While red states do make up more of the U.S.’ GDP, at about 50.5 percent/11.89 trillion with their top contributors being Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, it is important to note that there are 31 red states and only 19 blue states (red & blue states as defined by recent presidential election voting results). Even though there is a large number of red states compared to that of the blue states numbers, the blue states’ impact is almost on par with the red states' impact. This shows just how important and strong the blue states are to the U.S.’ economy.

Articles, zIssue 57, Editor's PickEva Elisa WellsJune 10, 2025Government, money, policies, politics, Politics, political, Trump, Trump administration, economy, gdpComment

Color Outside the Lines: Creative Queer Businesses to Support

With Pride Month in full force, there’s no better time to celebrate the vision and unapologetic creativity of LGBTQIA+ owned brands. These bold, boundary-breaking businesses aren't just serving looks and products—they’re serving purpose. From powerful messages of love and identity to meaningful support for vital causes, these brands are making waves and rewriting the rules. Jejune Magazine is here to cheer them on and highlight the trailblazers making the world more inclusive, one idea at a time.

It Might Be Memorial Day, But Are We Supporting Veterans?

Memorial Day is here and what better way to support our veterans is there than to advocate for them. With the Trump administration working to cut federal spending, veteran’s access to affordable healthcare is in jeopardy.

Brianne Nord-Stewart - Directing Change

Acclaimed queer director Brianne Nord-Stewart is empowering positive change through film. Her most recent project, I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story, helps one of America’s most hated women take back her reputation and rewrite the narrative. Donating proceeds from the release party for her show, The Dangers of Online Dating, to Options for Sexual Health, donating to Action Canada, and supporting a plethora of other sexual and reproductive health organizations, Nord-Stewart makes her message loud and clear. To learn more about Brianne Nord-Stewart and her projects, read on.